Mike Strong, UA's dean of students and deputy Title IX coordinator for students, is the principal resource for students who want to know more about their options and available resources if they’ve been victims of, or involved with, sexual assault or sexual harassment. Mike is trained in all aspects of Title IX, a law designed to ensure gender equity on college campuses. Mike can be reached at 330-972-6048.

The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties includes seven employees who work directly with UA students. The center provides crisis intervention, support, advocacy and other resources to survivors of sexual assault. The center’s 24-hour hotline is 330-434-RAPE. The center has an office on campus in Room 246 of the Student Recreation & Wellness Center. Call the campus office at 330-972-6328 during normal business hours.

About confidentiality

It is most important for students to know that Mike and the Rape Crisis Center employees are committed to supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence, but they have different responsibilities as it relates to confidentiality when it comes to reporting an incident.

Here’s what you need to know about how federal and state regulations define reporting responsibilities:

Conversations with Mike, as a deputy Title IX coordinator, are kept as confidential as possible, but information about sexual misconduct incidents must be shared with relevant administrators (and in the case of sexual assault, with law enforcement), so that the University can take any action necessary to protect the safety of the campus community and to comply with Ohio’s crime reporting laws.

If a person indicates a desire to report a sexual assault to any UA employee, that employee should advise the person about her/his applicable reporting obligations and available confidential resources. A UA employee may have an obligation to report sexual misconduct to law enforcement or a Title IX coordinator. More information about reporting obligations.

The team at the Rape Crisis Center are not employees of UA, and do not have the same reporting obligations as University employees. A sexual assault survivor who reaches out to the center can remain anonymous.

Anyone who has experienced sexual assault does not have to file a formal complaint to receive assistance, but will receive information about all of her/his options to keep themselves and the campus safe. All efforts will be made to respect the privacy wishes of victims of sexual assault; however, the university must balance all requests for privacy/confidentiality with the need to provide a safe learning and working environment for all.

We prepared to help any students through the difficult course of actions that are required to recover from a sexual assault.

Additional Title IX coordinators who can assist

Jolene Lane is the University’s Title IX coordinator for matters related to University sex and or gender-based offenses. Contact her at 330-972-7522 or jolenealane@uakron.edu. Ms. Lane is in Buchtel Hall 209.

Michelle Smith is the University's Deputy Title IX Coordinator for employees. Mrs. Smith can be reached at ASB, Room 125C, 330-972-5146 or msmith5@uakron.edu.

Mary Lu Gribshaw is the University’s deputy Title IX coordinator for athletics. Ms. Gribshaw can be reached at: 183 James A. Rhodes Arena, 330-972-7080 or marylu@uakron.edu.

The CARE Team is a University organization that provides guidance and assistance to students who are experiencing crises, displaying odd or unusual behaviors, or are engaging in other behaviors that may be perceived as being harmful (either to the student individually, or to others). CARE stands for Crisis, Assessment, Referral and Evaluation

The CARE Team accepts referrals and responds to students (and their families, faculty, and staff) when concerns for a student’s health, welfare, and safety are identified.

The CARE Team also supports members of the University community who interact with at-risk students by assessing and evaluating situations, communicating with individuals involved or impacted by a student’s behavior, and providing referrals and resources to assist and address behavioral concerns.

Emergencies after hours

When Student Health Services is closed, students needing immediate medical attention for acute illnesses or injuries may seek care at Akron City Hospital or Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Fees for hospital treatment and/or ambulance transport, if needed, are the responsibility of the student.

More than 50 percent of college students admit to having suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.

Typical reasons for college students to attempt suicide include relief from physical or emotional pain, after a relationship break-up, or due to academic struggles. Suicide is preventable. Get help for you or a friend.

About Help-a-Zip

What happens when a referral is made?

For academic concerns, the referral notice will be sent to an academic advisor, who serves as a member of the Help-A-Zip Team. This colleague will make attempts to contact the student and recommend resources appropriate for the situation, and connect the student to their appropriate advising unit for further assistance.

Tuition/Fee referrals will be handled by Student Financial Aid, who will access available resources and then discuss options with the student.

Any referral which is of a personal/social nature will be reviewed by a member of the ZipAssist Staff, who will contact the student to assess the nature of the concern and connect the student to appropriate resources including the Counseling and Testing Center, Tutoring, various offices on campus and/or community agencies. Some referrals involve more than one resource and the Help-A-Zip team will work collaboratively to address complex concerns with colleagues across campus.

Any referral which is of an emergency financial assistance nature will be reviewed by the ZipAssist Staff. These professionals will access available resources and discuss immediate options with the student.

For more information on the Help-a-Zip referral program you may contact Alison Doehring, Director of ZipAssist, at aer15@uakron.edu or ext. 6467 or make a referral online at uakron.edu/referral.